When the Packers hit the field at family night, they will experience something most other teams in the league have no hope of experiencing. They will get a very near simulation of game day at Lambeau Field.

Family Night is more than just another practice for the Packer players. Family Night is a distinct advantage in preparing for the season.

Many teams open up their intrasquad to their fans, and often fans of these other teams show up in droves of 10s and even 50s. Their cheers can be heard only when the team stops slapping the pads together.

At Lambeau, on the other hand, Packer players trot onto a field to an explosion of noise that rivals regular season games. And, therein lies the Packer Family Night edge.

Standing in the middle of Lambeau field with tens of thousands of fans roaring around them, Packer players are quickly aware that this is more than just another practice. This is as close as it gets to a game.

Add to that the fact that these fans are more than just the people who pay their salaries. A large number of those voices in the stands are owners of this team. Not only are these players here to thrill their fans, they are also determined to impress the owners of the team.

For most teams in the NFL, the intersquad scrimmage is nothing more than another practice. But for the Packers, Family Night is a great game-time simulation that gives the Packers an edge over league competition.

J.R. Augustine grew up in Black River Falls, WI and is currently living in Tennessee. He was born a Packer fan and survived the infamous 70s and 80s. He has immensely enjoyed the Packers' recent success and is looking forward to years of success to come.